Court nullifies Senator Natasha’s suspension, orders immediate recall

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, declaring the action unconstitutional.

Delivering judgment on Friday in a suit filed by the senator, Justice Nyako ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on the Kogi lawmaker violated her rights and deprived her constituents of proper representation. The court held that while the National Assembly has disciplinary powers over its members, such actions must not be excessive or infringe upon constitutional provisions.

According to the judge, the suspension was disproportionate, especially as it surpassed the maximum period (180 sitting days) within which the Senate is mandated to sit in a legislative year.

Consequently, the court ordered the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to her legislative duties.

However, in a separate ruling, Justice Nyako found the senator guilty of contempt of court and imposed a fine of ₦5 million on her. She is also directed to publicly apologize to the court through two national newspapers and her official Facebook page.

More details to follow.